Abstract

In the past decade, anisotropic molecular conductors have been found which possess unusual electrical, optical, magnetic, and, in some cases, mechanical properties. Exploitation of these properties for specific devices is inevitable, and a number of diverse applications of molecular metals have been reported over the past few years. Specifically, these materials have found use as components in batteries, electrolytic capacitors, thermistors, electrochromic displays, optical printing techniques, electrophotography, as electrodes, antistatic coatings, etc. A mora critical and detailed review of the state of the art in this area is given in a paper by Dr. Yoshimura at this NATO-ARI. The scope of this study group is to evaluate the status of applications, to indicate problem areas, and to identify some fruitful directions for future work. But, it must be kept in mind that this is a young field where potential applications are still in a very early stage of development. Consequently, a certain amount of speculation and generalization is unavoidable.